Enugu Rangers have been crowned 2017/18 Aiteo Cup champions following an incredible 4-2 penalty victory over Kano Pillars on Wednesday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
The Flying Antelopes showed courage, recovering from a three-goal deficit to clinch the oldest club competition.
Rabiu Ali fired the Kano-based in front after just five minutes.
Barely 15 minutes later Pillars doubled their lead when Ibrahim Alassan’s corner kick is pushed in by goalkeeper Femi Thomas.
Fans of Rangers must have thought it was game over after their opponents made it three through Nyima Nwagua.
However, an unprecedented comeback was on the cards.
Kelvin Itoya gave Rangers some hope by hitting a screamer in the 77th minute.
Chidera Ezeh gave the Flying Antelopes a lifeline when he scored the second goal for Rangers in the 82nd minute.
Ajani Ibrahim produced an unbelievable effort to level the scores and send the game to penalties after additional time.
The game then entered penalty kick, with Pillars converting two fewer the eventual champions.
It is the first time Rangers won the rebranded version, adding to their previous five.
They automatically qualify for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup.
